The Shoals is committed to economic growth. Whether the project is a new manufacturing facility, a customer service center, or a new hotel, the area’s elected officials and community leaders are pro-business and give their full support to such projects. Likewise, the Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA), a professional organization with many years of experience in economic development projects, will provide the service needed for a successful site location in The Shoals.

The Shoals area is characterized by a can-do attitude among local leaders in industry, business, and government, which has led to a business climate where companies can be successful. We are proud of the wide range of existing industry that calls The Shoals home. From small manufacturers to larger industries, The Shoals community works hard to meet the needs of its local companies.

Whether it is through specific assistance for expansion opportunities, assisting an existing industry in locating an available building or site, or coordinating training through one of The Shoals’ local training providers, SEDA supports our industry and helps it grow.

The State of Alabama and The Shoals aggressively recruit new business and industry and work closely with existing companies on expanding their operations. Numerous incentives have been designed to assist these companies.

With the natural beauty of the Tennessee River and an abundance of flora and fauna, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy a wide range of activities. Whether it’s golfing on one of our championship courses; boating or fishing on Wheeler, Wilson, or Pickwick Lakes; or, just enjoying a stroll in one of our numerous parks, there is something for everyone’s taste.

Transportation

Highways

The Shoals area enjoys excellent highway infrastructure without heavy traffic congestion. The Shoals is located on US Highway 72, a major east-west corridor leading from the Southeast US to Memphis, TN, and beyond. Four-lane US Highway 72 connects directly with I-65 to the east and I-40 and I-55 to the west. Alabama Highways 157 and 20 also provide direct connections from The Shoals to I-65. US Highway 43 connects The Shoals to US Highway 78 (Corridor X or I-22) near Hamilton, AL, and I-65 at Columbia, TN.

Within The Shoals, a number of highway construction projects have been completed or are nearing completion:

Shoal Creek Bridge — a six-lane bridge on US Highway 72 Patton Island Bridge (Singing River Bridge) — a six-lane bridge over the Tennessee River New bridge on US Highway 72 in Rogersville Alabama Highway 157 — completion of four-laning to I-65 U.S. Highway 43 — four-laning of southern portion in construction stages Alabama 133 — widened to seven lanes north from Avalon Ave. Highway and overpass from Patton Island Bridge to AL Highway 17

Companies needing to ship or receive cargo by air will appreciate the close proximity of The Shoals to the International Intermodal Center at the Huntsville International Airport and to the Memphis International Airport, which is the world’s busiest airport for air cargo.

Water

Located on the navigable Tennessee River, the Shoals area has direct access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and the Mississippi River. Several private companies operate their own barge terminals and contract these services on a company-by-company basis. The Port of Florence, on Pickwick Lake, is located at Tennessee River Mile 256.5. It is owned and operated by the Florence-Lauderdale County Port Authority, a public, non-profit corporation serving businesses and industry in Northwest Alabama.

The Port of Florence can provide bulk materials handling by (1) clam shell to rail or truck, (2) by dump chute from truck to barge, or (3) by transloader from rail or truck to barge. An overhead bridge crane has the ability to unload steel coils and other materials. A lighted public dock area is available for short-term use on a contract basis.

Port of Entry & Foreign Trade Zone

The Shoals area is included in the Port of Entry and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) areas served by the Huntsville-Madison County Jetplex. An International Intermodal Center at Huntsville is capable of receiving, transferring, storing, and distributing containerized cargo by all modes of transportation.